As a long-time SNL enthusiast who has seen countless sketches that push boundaries and tackle sensitive topics, I must say that Bowen Yang’s recent Weekend Update appearance as Moo Deng was another example of the show’s ability to make us think while providing laughs. The hippo costume might have been a bit over-the-top, but the message behind it – about setting boundaries and personal space – resonated with many, including myself.
The 50th season premiere of Saturday Night Live took place this weekend as part of the 2024 TV lineup, featuring numerous high-profile guest appearances, including Maya Rudolph reprising her role as Vice President Kamala Harris. Jean Smart served as the host, setting the stage for a spectacular debut. Meanwhile, cast member Bowen Yang garnered attention and subsequent controversy for his Weekend Update segment. Yang has since addressed the backlash after being accused of mocking singer Chappell Roan.
If you missed the premiere broadcast requiring a Peacock subscription, comedian Bowen Yang appeared alongside Colin Jost during the Weekend Update segment on Saturday night. Wearing a hippo suit, Yang portrayed Moo Deng – a pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand who became internet-famous in September. The comedy skit centered around Moo discussing the stresses she’s faced while setting boundaries with her adoring fans, and some viewers recognized that her speech bore resemblance to one delivered by Chappell Roan to her own followers earlier this month.
Roan devotees subsequently took to social media, criticizing the sketch comedy show and the Fire Island alum for seemingly making fun of the songstress’ honesty and desire to protect herself. The Wicked star took to Instagram to defend himself from the criticism he received following the broadcast. On his IG story, he shared a screenshot of an article claiming he “mocked” the singer and captioned it:
Wow, “criticizing”? If my position and this article don’t leave any doubt about my support for her, then here it is, I suppose. Everything she has ever requested seems fair, and even then, we can relate it to another tale about respect or personal space. I could really use a cold drink right now…
Through his post and a skit performance (playing the role of Moo Deng), Bowen Yang publicly expressed his backing for the LGBTQ+ music artist. In the skit, he asked everyone to stop harassing the “Pink Pony Club” singer. It’s also important to mention that in August, Yang interviewed this pop star for Interview Magazine.
The star’s remarks appear to imply that the skit might be a subtle critique on society, which some viewers may not fully grasp. It’s also worth noting that Chappell Roan’s fans didn’t seem upset with the overall skit but rather specific aspects of it – such as Moo Deng’s decision not to endorse a Presidential candidate (who made headlines last week for expressing her political views).
At present, neither Chappell Roan nor her team have spoken out about the sketch. Given that the pop star is set to perform as a musical guest later in the season, it’s intriguing to contemplate whether she and Bowen Yang will respond to the criticism jointly with humor or decide to ignore it.
On October 5th, starting at 11:30pm Eastern Time on NBC, Saturday Night Live will be back with Nate Bargazte as host and Coldplay as the musical guest. Don’t miss out on finding out who else will be hosting and performing musically throughout this season of SNL!
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2024-09-30 22:07